Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple 6 Now Available
After six years since its inception in 2018, Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple 6 (《佛法真義》英文版6) was completed and launched in September 2023. This volume is a guidebook integrating Buddhism into the lives of Buddhist practitioners, both monastics and laypeople, promoting a deeper understanding of Humanistic Buddhism and its contemporary applications. The hope is for individuals to take practical actions and reevaluate their spiritual journey.
The Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple series was a collaborative English translation effort from the Chinese edition authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. This project was led by Ven. Miao Guang, Vice Chancellor of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, with contributions from a young international translation team across seven countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Belgium, and Malaysia. Editors include Ven. Zhi Yue and members of the FGS Institute Center of International Affairs. This diverse team of translators from four continents showcases the collaborative spirit that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple 6 is the final installment in the English edition. It adopts contemporary language to elucidate the essence of faith and the true meanings behind various Buddhist practices and activities. For instance, “Karmic Debt” and “Faith or Fear” explore the nature of faith, emphasizing the need for Buddhism to possess a humanistic character, addressing topics like wealth, marriage, and family life. “Most Venerable,” “Celebrations of the Triple Gem,” “Significance of the Buddhist Flag,” “Six Uposatha Days,” “Eight Precepts Retreat,” “Short-Term Monastic Retreat,” and "Significance of Short-Term Monastic Retreat" help Buddhists establish a correct understanding of faith and religious experiences.
Furthermore, this volume delves deep into the relationship between religion, politics, and the law. It also outlines how Buddhism can play a positive role in contemporary society. “Reforming the Monastic System,” “Substituting the Vinaya with Pure Regulations,” “Improving the Five Sessions of Daily Practices,” “Eradicating Calamities and Obstructions for Yasodhara,” and “Advancing Education in Temples” discuss various reforms from a progressive perspective and their relevance in the current era. “Religious Legislation” and “Between Country and Religion” provide insights into religious legislation and encourage readers to contemplate how Buddhist wisdom can be applied in today’s context.
Lastly, several articles in this volume shed light on Fo Guang Shan’s modern methods of propagating Humanistic Buddhism and their significance. For example, “Buddhist Endeavors through Sounds and Music” explains how Buddhist chantings and songs make the teachings more accessible. “Dharma Propagation through Arts and Culture” underscores that, as long as someone appreciates art and can hear the Dharma, it can serve as material for Dharma propagation through sounds and music, expanding from sutra recitation to various musical and sports activities. “Spring Couplets” and “Buddhist Weddings” provide practical examples of the fusion of Buddhism with everyday life.
In summary, the six-volume Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple series encompasses a wide array of topics, ranging from Buddhist doctrine, philosophy, and knowledge, to practices. It explores social and faith-related issues, guiding readers through the perspective of Humanistic Buddhism. The series encourages the development of an optimistic attitude, as well as the actualization of Buddhist teachings in daily life. Volumes 1-2 focus on faith and doctrine; Volumes 3-4 delve into the application aspects of Buddhist practice; and Volume 5, released last year, traverses the history of Buddhist practices. The freshly-printed Volume 6 underscores Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s call for practical action. The series aims to guide readers progressively from understanding Humanistic Buddhism to becoming practitioners of Humanistic Buddhism.
Book Order:
Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise
Website: https://shorturl.at/dosX3
07-6561921 #6664~6666
Google Books: https://shorturl.at/gtu57
